[Rean is somewhere locked behind that tattoo, the one Crow has yet to find. Until then, all there is is this.]

I don't care if it is. If it keeps you by my side, then it's fine by me.

[The comment about it being a lot of effort for just one person makes Rean shake his head almost immediately.]

You're hardly the only person I need to protect. [Need.] But even if you were...

[The dangerous tone to his voice leaves him for just a moment, leaving him much softer, genuine. The light is still gone completely from his eyes, but they lock with Crow's for this.]

You'd be worth all of that and more.